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Workforce Connections offers Ruidoso employers cost saving services

Program involves recruitment, training

By Kelly Brooks

kbrooks@ruidosonews.com

Posted:
07/03/2013 08:49:04 AM MDT

RUIDOSO >> New Mexico Workforce Connection doesn't just cater to the unemployed. "We work for employers, too," career development specialist Rachel Weber said. "The on-the-job training program through the Workforce Investment Act is one of the most under-utilized by employers."

Although a less familiar component of the Workforce Investment Act, the benefits gained by utilizing the employer services offered through the program are a winning combination for everyone, Weber said. "We can pay up to 90 percent of an employee's wages for up to six months if an employer is willing to hire a trainee."

Weber said that part of the reason the program is under-utilized is that many employers are not aware it even exists. "Not too many employers know about it although we try to get the word out the best we can," she said. "We offer a lot of help, a lot of free services. We can help your business grow from good to great by providing the kind of employment support that can make a real difference to your bottom line."

The programs are designed to serve businesses with a full range of resources, Weber said. Free job postings, applicant recruitment and testing, pre-employment screening, work opportunity tax credits and job seeker skill set assessments and training programs are just a few of the free services offered through the center.

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"We meet so many people with such potential but they haven't had the experience," Weber said. "This is a way for an employer to get a great employee who is well-trained."

Billy the Kid Casino Slot Operations Manager Torry Hukill was an employee in the on-the-job training program. Hukill, who started out as a slot technician one year and nine months ago said the best part of the program for him was the communication between employer and Weber. "Every month Rachel would come down and meet with my supervisor and they would critique me. They would tell me where I was doing good and where I could improve. So I would improve."

After one year on the job Hukill was promoted to slot operations manager. "Anybody going through Workforce Connections really wants a job," he said.

The WIA on-the-job training program will fund up to 90 percent of wages for up to 1,040 hours for job seekers in the program in order for them to attain the experience and skills they need, Weber said. "That's money not coming out of the employer's pocket while an employee is in training."

David Eddington, district manager for Alto Lakes Water and Sanitation, has used several of the employer services offered by the WIA and said he's pleased with the results.

"Its a very good way to split your initial hiring costs while getting employee training," he said. "The WIA is eating a lot of cost for you. It's a little extra paperwork but when you figure the money you're saving over the first six months, it's worth it."

Eddington said all of his field position applicants go through the WIA pre-screening and testing process. "I use a lot of their cognitive testing and they can tell me who's capable. It saves me time. They weed them out before they get to me."

Additionally, the WIA funds short-term training such as pre-employment skills and exam preparations, as well as footing the bill for credential and licensing fees for job seekers in the program. They also will fund up to 104 weeks of education for job seekers in order for them to attain a degree or other industry-specific credential, Weber said.

From Weber's perspective, employers can't lose. "We post job openings free of charge, actively recruit qualified applicants and conduct pre-employment screenings. We have statewide search capabilities, employer-specific skills tests and we offer coordinated employer interviews. That combined with the employer incentives we offer and tax credits for using the program - it's an excellent way to hire and train a great employee."